How White Christian Nationalism Threatens the Church with Dr. Greg Garrett
Mar 29, 2025
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In this engaging conversation, Dr. Greg Garrett, a Baylor University English professor and a leading voice on faith and social justice, tackles the alarming rise of white Christian nationalism and its impact on the church. He discusses how this ideology alienates younger generations and detracts from true Christian values. Highlighting the importance of listening to marginalized voices, Garrett advocates for a Gospel centered on love and justice, emphasizing the necessity of racial reconciliation within Christianity.
The rise of white Christian nationalism is alienating younger generations from the church by associating Christianity with power instead of justice.
Utilizing storytelling within congregations can foster empathetic dialogues around race, encouraging reflection and understanding of moral choices.
Engagement in discussions about faith and social justice is crucial for churches, as silence on these issues perpetuates the status quo.
Deep dives
The Importance of Anti-Racism as a Continuous Journey
Anti-racism is described as a marathon rather than a sprint, emphasizing the need for ongoing engagement rather than a singular moment of recognition. Understanding and confronting racism requires meaningful action beyond simply acknowledging its existence. Conversations reveal that initial recognition is often perceived as the endpoint, while true anti-racist work necessitates commitment and sustained effort. This perspective aligns with insights from figures like Jamar Tisby, indicating that the fight against racism continues long after awareness is raised.
Damage Caused by White Christian Nationalism
The rise of white Christian nationalism is discussed as detrimental to American Christianity and its credibility among younger generations. Surveys reveal that many individuals feel alienated from the church due to its failure to embody the teachings of Jesus, particularly concerning love and justice. The data indicates a worrying trend where Christianity’s association with power and privilege drives people away, leading to an increase in the number of individuals identifying as 'nuns' rather than engaging with the church. Ultimately, the failure of the church to uphold Christian values of compassion contributes to a significant decline in its relevance.
Storytelling as a Tool for Racial Understanding
Utilizing storytelling serves as a vital method for addressing racial issues within churches and creating an empathetic dialogue. Films and narratives allow congregations to step outside their individual experiences, making it easier to discuss racism through characters and stories rather than direct confrontation. This method encourages reflection on moral choices and societal values, providing a space for difficult topics to be explored. By fostering shared dialogues through stories, churches can promote healing and understanding among their members.
Confronting Silence and Familiarity in Church Dialogues
Silence in discussions about racism is not neutrality; rather, it often operates as an acceptance of the status quo. Engaging congregations in story-based discussions about faith and social justice can disrupt entrenched narratives and challenge complacency. Pastoral leaders often face pressure to remain neutral, but conversations around race and justice require courage and honesty to foster growth and reconciliation. By actively addressing these issues, churches can counter the damaging effects of silence and foster a more inclusive community.
The Intersection of Faith, Politics, and Social Justice
The connection between faith and social justice is framed as essential in addressing contemporary societal challenges. Conversations reveal that understanding one's faith must go beyond personal belief to include communal action against injustice. This collective responsibility emphasizes that true Christianity embodies love, mercy, and justice, specifically in how communities respond to marginalized groups. As part of this dialogue, individuals are invited to reflect on their role within the larger political and social paradigms, reaffirming that faith should challenge injustice rather than perpetuate it.
In recent years, white Christian nationalism has grown from a fringe ideology into a dominant force shaping American politics and religious identity. But what happens when Christianity is weaponized for power rather than justice? In this episode, political host Will Wright and pastor Josh Burtram sit down with Dr. Greg Garrett, Baylor University professor and prolific author, to unpack how white Christian nationalism is driving people—especially younger generations—away from the church.
Drawing from decades of research, personal experience, and his work at Baptist News Global, Garrett explores the rise of anti-justice theology, the quantifiable damage to church membership, and how Christians can resist in a Christ-like way. He also reflects on the importance of listening to Black churches, learning from marginalized voices, and reclaiming a Gospel centered on love, humility, and service.
Guest Bio: Dr. Greg Garrett is a professor of English at Baylor University and one of America's leading voices on faith, race, and social justice. He is the author of over 25 books, including recent works on James Baldwin and Christian nationalism. He is a regular contributor to Baptist News Global, where he interviews theologians, pastors, and activists shaping the future of the church.
🔗 Resources & Links: Greg Garrett’s Interview Series at Baptist News Global: https://baptistnews.com/article/author/greggarrett/
